His books commingled democratically, united under the all-inclusive flag of Literature. Some were vertical, some horizontal, and some actually placed behind others. Mine were balkanized by nationality and subject matter.

Anne Fadiman
About This Quote

The idea that his books were all part of a democratic literary movement; that we would move forward together and work together to make the world a better place is very similar to how we can work together in our own homes and communities. However, when we balkanize our books by nationality and subject matter, we fail to realize that we can work with anyone in the world who shares our values. We can all be united under the banner of Literature. Even though some books will be vertical and others horizontal, they will still be part of a greater whole.

Source: Ex Libris: Confessions Of A Common Reader

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